Today, I had the privilege of spending the afternoon at Page 1 Books in Albuquerque for my first bookstore signing.

People kept asking me how I was doing.

My answer was always the same.

“I’m living the dream.”

And I meant it.

As an independent author, there are moments when you’re sitting alone in front of a computer, wondering if anyone will ever read the words you’re writing. Then there are days like today, when those words become conversations with real people.

Some of the first visitors were friends, family, coworkers, and even students. A few students brought copies they already owned for me to sign, while others purchased books at the event. Seeing students walk up with a novel I had written was a surreal experience for a teacher. In the classroom, they know me as Ms. Graybeal. Today they saw another part of my life.

One coworker bought a second copy because she already owned the e-book but wanted a signed edition. Another bought a second copy, and I have a feeling one of those copies will eventually find a home on a classroom bookshelf.

But one of the greatest joys of the afternoon was meeting complete strangers.

A woman visiting from Australia purchased a copy to take home. A couple from Illinois stopped by, and the wife told me she planned to start reading the book on the flight home. Those are moments I’ll remember for a long time. Somewhere over the country, someone will be opening Anywhere But Here for the first time while flying home, and another copy is making its way halfway around the world.

The conversations were every bit as meaningful as the sales.

One gentleman shared that he is friends with New Mexico State Historian Robert Martinez, whose podcasts I used with my New Mexico History students during the pandemic. He told me he would mention both me and my novel the next time they had lunch together.

Another visitor happened to be a copyright attorney. We had a wonderful conversation, and before leaving he took both my business card and my phone number.

By the end of the afternoon, I had sold 17 books, and as I drove home, another five-star rating appeared on Amazon, bringing the book to 18 ratings with a 4.8-star average.

The day reminded me that success isn’t measured only in numbers.

It’s measured in conversations.

It’s measured by someone who already owns your ebook wanting a signed copy.

It’s measured by students asking you to autograph the books they brought from home.

It’s measured by readers asking when your next novel will be released.

Several people stopped to admire the poster for The Space Between Songs, and it was exciting to tell them that it will be available soon. Knowing readers are already looking forward to the next story is one of the greatest gifts an author can receive.

I also realized something else today.

For years I’ve been a teacher, a photographer, and a writer.

Today those worlds came together.

Students, family, fellow teachers, photographers, and complete strangers all gathered around the same table because of stories that began as ideas on my computer.

I couldn’t have asked for a better first bookstore signing.

To everyone who came by to say hello, bought a book, asked questions, shared your own stories, or simply wished me well…

Thank you.

Today reminded me why I write.

And yes…

I really am living the dream.